DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 April 1917, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

PUKEARUHE. j (From Our.Own Correspondent.) As the outcome of ft ecnversation between Mr. Deem, Chief of the Agricultural Department on this coast, and several settlers in this district a meeting was called in the cheese factory to discuss the question of doing 1 something in the way of growing wheat for the Government. Mr. Barry, a member of the Department's instruction staff, came out to givo us any particulars. As all but one of us had had 110 previous experience in growing wheat wo were extremely pleased by the very capable and busi-ness-like way Mr. Barry addressed us, and we soon cou'd see that this gentleman had a thorough practical knowledge of the subject and is also very enthusiastic. Two very important matters mentioned were if growing after turnips not to use too much nitrogenous manure and not to plough too deep for Taranalci soils. After his address -Mr. Barry was asked a number of questions. The principal ones relating to the amount of taxation likely to be put on when the wheat was grown. There is no doubt that the unjust butter tax has made the farmers very suspicious and as this is more a patriotic than a financial spirit they wanted ,to make sure of their ground. Practically 100 acres were promised in the room from those present! and at the close of the meeting it was decided a local wheat growing association would be formed, to be called the Mimi-Pukearuhe Wheat Growing Association. Mr. W, J. Freeth was appointed chairman and hon. sec. K was thought l)y those present that if wo all joined together we could assure the hearty co-operation of labor and saving of expenditure in the buying of seed, sacks, thrashing, etc. If properly worked up there should be 110 difficulty in getting in about 200 acres. This from a district that has not, previously grown any wheat of latter years should help to make up some of the great shortage. A further discussion is to take place at Urenui next sale day, Monday 10.